AJR93: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-3753/1

SRM:nwn:md

2009 - 2010 LEGISLATURE

2009 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 93

November 3, 2009 - Introduced by Representatives Vruwink, Pasch, Zigmunt, Zepnick, Hebl, Kerkman, Townsend, A. Ott, Turner, Pope-Roberts, Ballweg, Hintz, Berceau, Strachota, Mason, Molepske Jr., Zipperer and Gunderson, cosponsored by Senators Holperin, Lassa, Lazich, Darling and Hopper. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR93,1,1 Relating to: recognizing November as National Adoption Month.

AJR93,1,6 Whereas, Wisconsin supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Month by promoting awareness of adoption and the children in foster care awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, recognizing current programs and efforts designed to promote adoption, and encouraging people in Wisconsin to seek improved safety, permanency, and well-being for all children; and

AJR93,1,9 Whereas, there are nearly 500,000 children in the foster care system in the United States, approximately 130,000 of whom are waiting for families to adopt them; and

AJR93,1,11 Whereas, nearly 54 percent of the children in foster care are ten years of age or younger; and

AJR93,1,13 Whereas, the average length of time a child spends in foster care is more than two years; and

AJR93,2,3 Whereas, for many foster children, the wait for a permanent, adoptive, "forever" family in which they are loved, nurtured, comforted, and protected seems endless; and

AJR93,2,6 Whereas, the number of youth who age out of the foster care system by reaching adulthood without being placed in a permanent home has increased by more than 60 percent since 1998, as nearly 28,000 foster youth aged out of foster care in 2007; and

AJR93,2,9 Whereas, every day loving and nurturing families are strengthened and expanded when committed and dedicated individuals make an important difference in the life of a child through adoption; and

AJR93,2,14 Whereas, National Adoption Month celebrates the gift of adoption, recognizing the adoptive and foster families who share their hearts and homes with children in need, and raises awareness of the need for families for the many waiting children, particularly older children and teens, children of color, members of sibling groups, and children with physical and emotional challenges; now, therefore, be it

AJR93,2,19 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature proclaims November as National Adoption Month and recognizes that every child in foster care deserves a permanent and loving family, and encourages the citizens of Wisconsin to consider adoption of children in foster care who are waiting for a permanent, loving family.

AJR93,2,20 (End)